Asset targeting system for limited resource environments

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides targeted asset system implementations in contexts where there is limited or no ability to use a real-time return channel for communications from user equipment devices (e.g., STB) to the network. In one arrangement, a household classifier is generated and delivered to user equipment devices. The household classifiers are generated based on third party data and/or network usage information associated with the household. The system and method allow for generating highly accurate household classifications that may be forwarded to individual households where the user equipment device may implant the classifiers to select appropriate assets for delivery to the household.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/887,300, entitled, “ASSET TARGETING SYSTEM FORLIMITED RESOURCE ENVIRONMENTS,” filed on Jan. 30, 2007, the contents ofwhich are incorporated herein as if set forth in full.

FIELD

Systems and methods presented herein relate to the provision of targetedassets via a network interface. In one specific arrangement,individualized classifiers are provided to individual households of abroadcast network, wherein user equipment of each individual householdmay utilize the provided classifier(s) to select among assets providedvia the network interface.

BACKGROUND

Broadcast network content or programming is commonly provided inconjunction with associated informational content or assets. Theseassets include advertisements, associated programming, public-serviceannouncements, ad tags, trailers, weather or emergency notifications anda variety of other content, including paid and unpaid content. In thisregard, assets providers (e.g., advertisers) who wish to conveyinformation (e.g., advertisements) regarding services and/or products tousers of the broadcast network often pay for the right to insert theirinformation into programming of the broadcast network. For instance,advertisers may provide ad content to a network operator such that thead content may be interleaved with broadcast network programming duringone or more programming breaks. The delivery of such paid assets oftensubsidizes or covers the costs of the programming provided by thebroadcast network. This may reduce or eliminate costs borne by the usersof the broadcast network programming.

In order to achieve a better return on their investment, asset providersoften try to target their assets to a selected audience that is believedto be interested in the goods or services of the asset provider. Thecase of advertisers on a cable television network is illustrative. Forinstance, an advertiser or a cable television network may target its adsto certain demographic groups based on, for example, geographiclocation, gender, age, income etc. Accordingly, once an advertiser hascreated an ad that is targeted to a desired group of viewers (e.g.,targeted group) the advertiser may attempt to procure insertion times inthe network programming when the targeted group is expected to be amongthe audience of the network programming.

Various asset targeting systems have been proposed in the context oftargeting ads to individual network users in a cable television network.In one implementation, the asset targeting system is capable ofdetermining classification parameters of a current viewer. Specifically,the system analyzes a click stream (remote control or other inputs) fromthe user and, optionally, other information to determine demographic orother information regarding the current user. This information can beutilized by a user equipment device (e.g., set top box) to identifyappropriate ads for an upcoming commercial spot in a process calledvoting. In such an arrangement, one or more user equipment devices mayreport current user information to a network platform such that adsbetter targeted to current network users may be selected for broadcast,Additionally, this information can be used to select an appropriate ad,from a set of ads available for a given commercial spot, to be deliveredat a set top box (“STB”). The ads that are actually delivered at the STBtelevision can be reported to the network.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, the inventors of the current systems and methodshave recognized that, in many environments such a voting process may notbe feasible or desirable. That is, there are a number of situations inwhich it may be desired or necessary to function with more limitedresources. For example, in some cases, such as a satellite televisionnetwork, there may be very limited or no opportunity to use a returnchannel for communications from user equipment devices (e.g., STB, DVRetc.) to the network. Accordingly, it may not be practical to implementreal-time voting and/or reporting processes as described above.

In addition, in some cases the resources available at the STB may belimited. For example, other applications or constraints imposed bynetwork providers may limit the STB resources that can be utilized bythe targeted asset system. In such cases, it may be necessary or usefulto employ reduced functionality or to shift functionality implementationfrom the STB to another network platform. Finally, in some cases, anetwork provider or other party operating the targeted asset system maybe content to implement targeting on a household basis rather than basedon a determination made at the household regarding who is currentlyusing the network. In such cases, it may be elected to implement atargeted asset system with reduced functionality or to re-distributefunctionality across the network. The present invention providestargeted asset system implementations useful in the noted contexts.

According to a first aspect, a system aid method (i.e., utility) ispresented for use in targeting broadcast network content (e.g., assets)wherein household classifiers are generated by the network and deliveredto individual households. In this regard, user equipment devices at theindividual households may utilize the classifiers to select among assetoptions, provided by the broadcast network, for presentation to thehousehold. The utility includes providing a network platform forprocessing household classifiers for delivery to the user equipmentdevices. The network platform is operative to obtain householdinformation from at least one information repository for individualhouseholds in the broadcast network. The network platform is alsooperative to receive network usage information that originates fromthose individual households. Based on this information, the platform isoperative to generate at least one household classifier based oncorrelated household information and network usage information. Once oneor more household classifiers are generated, these classifiers may bedelivered to one or more user equipment devices at such households.Accordingly, the user equipment devices at each such household may usethe household classifier to select assets for delivery with broadcastcontent output at each household. In this regard, it will be appreciatedthat targeted household classifiers may be provided to individualhouseholds such that the households may select asset options that aremost appropriate for the individual household.

Generally, household information may be obtained from any informationrepository, including, without limitation, third party databases. Suchthird party databases may include information that is associated withthe network user households. This information may include purchasinginformation (e.g., credit card purchases), credit information, householdcomposition, segmentation model clusters, and even information aboutindividual household members. Such household information may be utilizedto determine actual member and/or putative members and/or demographicsof the household. Accordingly, once putative members and/or demographicsof the household are identified, one or more predetermined householdclassifications may be selected for that household. For instance, ahousehold that has recently purchased diapers may be classified as afamily having young children.

In order to correlate household information from one or more informationrepositories with network usage information, customer databaseinformation may be obtained. Such customer database information may beobtained that includes customer specific information associated withindividual households. Such information may include, without limitation,location of individual households, one or more names of individualsassociated with the household and/or demographic information associatedwith individuals in the household. Customer database information mayoriginate from a network provider or from an asset provider. In theformer case, such information may be directed primarily toward, forexample, billing information, which may include location information andone or more names. However, such network provider customer informationmay contain additional demographic information as well. In the case ofasset provider customer information, such customer information may bevery detailed. For instance, an auto manufacturer may have highlyspecific demographic information for their previous customers.Accordingly, this information may be utilized for targeting assets.However, it will be appreciated that such customer information may belimited for use with targeting assets of the asset provider. In anyarrangement, customer information from such customer database(s) may beutilized in conjunction with the household information and/or networkusage information to generate the household classifiers.

The network usage information may include information associated withusage patterns of the households. For instance, such information mayinclude temporal information associated with usage times that a userequipment device of the household is outputting network content.Further, such usage information may include band or channel orinformation associated with a broadcast content stream that is beingoutput to the household. In one arrangement, such network usageinformation may be obtained from a database of network usageinformation. Such a database may be accessible by the platform via oneor more communications links or may be integrated with the platform.

In an arrangement where a network usage database is utilized, thedatabase may include previously received and stored usage information.That is, user equipment devices may report usage information to adatabase that may subsequently be accessed by the platform for use ingenerating household classifiers. In such an arrangement, the userequipment devices may report to the database on a predetermined schedule(e.g., periodically, daily, weekly, etc.). Further, user equipmentdevices may report to the database via any available communicationsinterfaces. Such communications interfaces may include the networkinterface utilized to receive broadcast content. In another arrangement,such an interface may utilize a communications system separate from thebroadcast network. For instance, the user equipment devices may use atelephonic interface and/or packet switch network interface (e.g.,internet interface). In a further arrangement, where communicationsbetween the user equipment device and the network platform are possiblein real time, such network usage information may be received directly atthe platform from the user equipment device. This may allow, in somearrangements, for selecting a household classifier based on currentusage conditions.

Household classifications may be separated into any definableclassifications. Often, these classifications may be based on one ormore of the following including, without limitation, gender, age,income, geographic location and/or personal interest. Further, theutility may be operative to identify a number of classifications for agiven household. That is, upon identifying a number of differentputative members of the household and/or usage times that may beassociated with different household members, first and second (or more)household classifiers may be generated for delivery to the userequipment device. In such an arrangement, temporal limitations for usewith the different classifiers may be identified. In such anarrangement, a first classifier may be utilized during a first timeperiod (e.g., morning) when a first putative member of the household isexpected to be receiving broadcast content, and a second classifier maybe utilized at a second time period (e.g., evening) when a secondputative member of the household is expected to be receiving broadcastcontent.

In a further arrangement, different classifiers may be delivered todifferent user equipment devices of a common household. In this regard,it has been recognized that different user equipment devices may havedifferent usage patterns. Stated otherwise, different user equipmentdevices may be primarily utilized by different members of the household(e.g., a dominant viewer of a particular television). In onearrangement, a dominant viewer classifier may be generated andimplemented for one or more user equipment devices of a multi-userequipment device household.

In addition to generating household classifiers based on the networkusage information, it will be appreciated that such network usageinformation may be updated. In this regard, upon receiving updated usageinformation, the utility may generate updated household classifiers anddeliver those updated classifiers to one or more user equipment devicesat the household.

In a further arrangement, the utility may be operative to receive reportusage information from multiple user equipment devices associated with acommon household. In such an arrangement, different householdclassifiers may be generated and provided to different user equipmentdevices of a common household.

The household classifiers may be utilized by the user equipment devicesin a number of different ways. In a first arrangement, the householdclassifier(s) may be utilized to selectively store assets received fromthe network. That is, as assets are received, a determination may bemade if they are appropriate for the household. Appropriate assets maythen be stored to local storage media and subsequently inserted into acontent stream for delivery to the household. In an alternatearrangement, the household classifier(s) may be utilized to selectbetween different assets provided in conjunction with broadcast content.For instance, the household classifier may be utilized to select betweenassets provided on separate transmission bands during an asset deliveryspot in order to provide an asset that is most appropriate for thehousehold.

According to another aspect, a system and method (i.e., utility) isprovided for use in a user equipment device that allows reportingnetwork usage information for use in generating a household classifier,as well as implementing such a household classifier to select assets forthe household. The utility is operative to record network usageinformation associated with broadcast network content output at ahousehold. Such network usage information may be recorded to computerreadable storage media associated with the user equipment device. At apredetermined time or, upon request, this network user information ofthe user equipment device may be transmitted to a platform or databasethat is accessible via the broadcast network. A platform in the networkmay be operative to utilize the network usage information to generate ahousehold classifier. In turn, the utility may receive and store such ahousehold classifier. Accordingly, the user equipment device maysubsequently utilize a household classifier to select assets fordelivery with broadcast content received via a broadcast networkinterface.

This process of recording network usage history, transmitting thenetwork usage history to a network platform or database and receiving ahousehold classifier may be repeated. In this regard, updated householdclassifiers may be received, for example, based on changes in networkusage of the household. Further, it will be appreciated that a pluralityof household classifiers may be received from the network and may beimplemented in accordance with specified limitations (e.g., temporallimitation and/or transmission band limitation) provided with thehousehold classifiers.

Typically, the utility is operative to compare at least one constraintassociated with an asset received via the network interface with atleast one classification parameter associated with the householdclassifier. Upon identifying a match between the constraint and theclassification parameter, the utility may be operative to either storean asset to storage media associated with the device, select an assetfrom storage media associated with the device and/or switch betweentransmission bands of an incoming content stream in order to provide asuitable asset to household users receiving an output from the userequipment device.

In order to identify upcoming asset insertion opportunities, the utilitymay further include a decoder that is operative to receive and decode asignal associated with a received broadcast stream. Accordingly, thisdecoder may be operative to identify upcoming asset insertionopportunities, as well as constraints that may be associated with thoseasset insertion opportunities. Based on these constraints, the userequipment device may select an appropriate asset from storage and/orswitch between transmission bands of the content stream. In the latterregard, it will be appreciated that the user equipment may require aselector for changing transmission bands at the beginning of an assetdelivery spot and returning to the original transmission band at the endof the asset delivery spot.

The utility includes an input interface structure for use in receivingnetwork content from the broadcast network. This input interfacestructure may also be utilized to receive a household classifier(s). Ina further arrangement, the utility includes an output interfacestructure for transmitting network usage information to the network. Invarious arrangements, the input interface structure and output interfacestructure may be a common structure. In other arrangements, the inputinterface structure and the output interface structure may be separate.For instance, the output interface structure may utilize a separatecommunications network for use in delivering network usage informationto, for example, a network platform, database or other data repository.In one arrangement, the second interface may comprise a telephonicinterface and/or a packet switched network interface.

According to another aspect, a plurality of classifiers may be generatedwithin the network for a given household. Based on information receivedfrom the given household, one of those classifiers may be selected andsent to the user equipment device at the household. In such a utility, anetwork platform may be provided for processing household classifiersfor delivery to the user equipment devices. Accordingly, the networkplatform may be operative to obtain household information for thehousehold from at least one information repository. Based on thishousehold information, a plurality of household classifiers may begenerated. Subsequently, current network usage information may bereceived that originates from the household. Based on this currentnetwork usage information, one of the plurality of household classifiersmay be selected and delivered to the user equipment device of thehousehold. The user equipment device may subsequently utilize thisclassifier for use in selecting assets for delivery to the current userof the user equipment device.

In one arrangement, the current network usage information may bereceived via the interface that is utilized to provide the broadcastcontent to the user equipment device. In another arrangement, a separatecommunications interface may be utilized to receive the current networkusage information.

Generating a plurality of classifiers may be performed by generatingclassifiers based on information associated with third party databases,customer databases or other information repositories. In this regard,putative members of the household may be identified. Such informationmay be further combined with statistical usage patterns of similarlysituated households. Accordingly, temporal limitations and/or networkband/channel limitations may be implemented for different classifiers.

In a further arrangement, different classifiers may be generated fordifferent user equipment devices of a common household. In this regard,network usage information may be identified for two or more userequipment devices of a single household. In this regard, it will beappreciated that different user equipment devices may be utilized bydifferent members of the household. Accordingly, different classifiersmay be implemented the different user equipment devices to better targetindividual members of the household. In one arrangement, a dominant useris identified for each user equipment device. This dominant user may beidentified using network usage information as well as householdinformation associated with the household. In one arrangement a singleclassifier associated with the dominant user may be continuouslyimplemented by the user equipment device.

According to another aspect, a system and method (i.e., utility) isprovided for improving the identification of a current network user.Such utility may be implemented at a user equipment device of ahousehold in a broadcast network. Initially, the user equipment devicemay receive household information associated with members of thehousehold. Subsequently, the user equipment device may receive an inputfrom a user of the user equipment device (e.g., a household member).Based on this input and the household information, the utility mayidentify one of the members of the household as being the current userof the user equipment device. Accordingly, the utility may select assetsfor delivery with broadcast content based on the identified current userof the user equipment device.

In one arrangement, receiving household information may includereceiving putative household member information. That is, third-partydata that has been processed or may be processed to determine putativemembers of the household may be provided from the broadcast network tothe user equipment device. Alternatively, household membershipinformation associated with actual/identified members of the householdmay be provided to the user equipment device. Accordingly, the userequipment device may utilize one or more stored algorithms to selectamongst, for example, predetermined classification parameters associatedwith members of the household. For instance, based on a click streamreceived by user input device, the utility may determine which of thehousehold members is most likely currently receiving network contentfrom the user equipment device. Accordingly, once the current user isidentified, assets may be selected (e.g., from storage, from assetchannels, etc.) that are targeted to the current user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a broadcast network.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a household targeting assetdelivery system.

FIG. 3 illustrates replacement of assets in a common programming channelreceived by different households.

FIG. 4 illustrates one asset targeting process that may be implements bythe system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 illustrates one asset targeting process that may be implementedby an STB of a household.

FIG. 6 illustrates network usage of a household.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a household targeting assetdelivery system.

FIG. 7A illustrates one asset targeting process that may be implementedin the system of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 illustrates a forward and store implementation of the householdtargeting asset delivery system.

FIG. 9 illustrates a channel hopping implementation of the householdtargeting asset delivery system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to various structure and functionality fordelivery of targeted assets in a communications network, as well asassociated business methods. The invention has particular applicationwith respect to networks where content is broadcast to network users;that is, the content is made available via the network to multiple userswithout being specifically addressed to individual user nodes inpoint-to-point fashion. In this regard, content may be broadcast in avariety of networks including, for example, cable aid satellitetelevision networks, satellite radio networks, IP networks used formulticasting content and networks used for podcasts or telephonybroadcasts/multicasts. Content may also be broadcast over the airwavesthough, as will be understood from the description below, certainaspects of the invention may make use of bi-directional communicationchannels which are not readily available, for example, in connectionwith conventional airwave based televisions or radios (i.e., suchcommunication would involve supplemental communication systems). Invarious contexts, the content may be consumed in real time or stored forsubsequent consumption. Thus, while specific examples are provided belowin the context of satellite television network for purposes ofillustration, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limitedto such contexts but, rather, has application to a variety of networksand transmission modes.

The targeted assets may include any type of asset that is desired to betargeted to network users. It is noted that such targeted assets mayinclude, without limitation, advertisements, internal marketing (e.g.,information about network promotions, scheduling or upcoming events),public service announcements, weather or emergency information, orprogramming. The targeted assets may be independent or included in acontent stream with other assets such as untargeted network programming.In the latter case, the targeted assets may be interspersed/interleavedwith untargeted programming (e.g., provided during programming breaks)or may otherwise be combined with the programming. In the descriptionbelow, specific examples are provided in the context of targeted assetsprovided during breaks in television programming. While this is animportant commercial implementation of the invention, it will beappreciated that the invention has broader application. Thus,distinctions below between “programming” and “assets” such asadvertising should not be understood as limiting the types of contentthat may be targeted or the contexts in which such content may beprovided.

For purposes of illustration, the invention is described in someinstances below in the context of cable television networkimplementations. Components of exemplary cable television networks 100are depicted in FIG. 1 where different modalities are utilized todeliver broadcast content to network users. In the illustrated network100, broadcast content is distributed to network users via a pluralityof network platforms 90. Such network platforms may vary by region,broadcast network and/or nationality. In one arrangement, the networkplatforms include repeater stations 92 or satellites 116 that receivebroadcast content (e.g., directly, over-air and/or via satellitetransmissions) and repeat broadcast the content stream to networkusers/households 150. In another arrangement, the broadcast networkprovides broadcast content via a series of network platforms.

Such a series of network platforms may include regional/central networkplatforms as well local platforms. In a cable television networkcontext, such regional/central network platforms may be represented byregional head ends 80. Each of the regional head ends may be operativeto provide broadcast content (e.g., primary distribution) to a pluralityof local head ends 82. Such local head ends 82 may then provide content(e.g., secondary distribution) to network users 150.

Generally, the network platforms 90 process received content fortransmission to network users. Among other things, the network platformsmay be operative to amplify, convert and otherwise process the broadcastcontent signals as well as to combine the signals into a common cablefor transmission to network users 150, e.g., individual households. Thenetwork platforms can also process signals from users in a variety ofcontexts. The network platforms may thus be thought of as the controlcenters or local control centers of the cable television network 100. Itwill also be appreciated that local head ends may also be operative toinsert local content from local content providers (e.g., localtelevision stations) and/or local asset providers. In any case, thebroadcast signal is processed by user equipment devices of the networkusers, which may include a television, data terminal, a digital set topbox, DVR or other terminal equipment. It will be appreciated thatdigital or analog signals may be involved in this regard.

Users employ the network, and network operators derive revenue, based ondelivery of desirable content or programming. The stakeholders in thisregard include programming providers, asset providers such asnetwork-wide advertisers (who may be the same as or different than theprogramming providers), network operators such as Multiple SystemsOperators (MSOs), local asset providers and users—or viewers in the caseof television networks. All of these stakeholders have an interest inimproved delivery of content including targeted asset delivery. Forexample, users can thereby be exposed to assets that are more likely ofinterest and can continue to have the costs of programming subsidized orwholly borne by asset providers. Asset providers can benefit from moreeffective asset delivery and greater return on their investment. Networkoperators and asset providers can benefit from increased value of thenetwork as an asset delivery mechanism and, thus, potentially enhancedrevenues.

Historically, broadcast content from a content provider has includedprogramming and interleaved assets, which asset providers have paid tohave included with the programming of the content providers. Theseinterleaved assets have been disseminated in a content stream along withthe programming of the content provider. In addition, content providershave historically provided one or more cues within the content stream(e.g., programming and interleaved national assets) to allow localnetwork platforms to insert local assets (e.g., replace a default ad inthe content stream with a local ad).

What programming is available on particular channels or other bandwidthsegments at particular times is determined by scheduling. Thus, in thecontext of a broadcast television network, individual programmingnetworks (e.g., content providers), associated with particularprogramming channels, will generally develop a programming schedule wellinto the future, e.g., weeks or months in advance. This programmingschedule is generally published to users so that users can find programsof interest. In addition, this programming schedule is used by assetproviders to select desired asset delivery spots. Asset delivery is alsoscheduled. That is, breaks are typically built into or otherwiseprovided in programming content. In the case of recorded content, thebreaks are pre-defined. Even in the case of live broadcasts, breaks arebuilt-in. Thus, the number and duration of breaks is typically known inadvance, though the exact timing of the breaks may vary to some extent.

Conventional broadcast networks may include asset-supported and premiumcontent channels/networks. As noted above, programming content generallycomes at a substantial cost. That is, the programming providers expectto be compensated for the programming that they provide which hasgenerally been developed or acquired at significant cost. Thatcompensation may be generated by asset delivery revenues, by fees paidby users for premium channels, or some combination of the two. In somecases, funding may come from another source such as public funding.

In the case of asset-supported networks, the conventional paradigminvolves time-slot buys. Specifically, asset providers generallyidentify a particular program or time-slot on a particular network wherethey desire their assets to be aired. The cost for the airing of theasset depends on a number of factors, but one primary factor is the sizeof the audience for the programming in connection with which the assetis aired. Thus, the standard pricing model is based on the cost perthousand viewers (CPM). The size of the audience is generally determinedbased on ratings. The most common benchmark for establishing theseratings is the system of Nielsen Media Research Corporation Nielsen).

While the pricing for asset delivery primarily depends on the size ofthe viewing audience, other factors may be factored in as well. One ofthose factors relates to the demographics of interest to the assetprovider. In this regard, a given program will generally have a numberof different ratings for different demographic categories. That is, theprogram generally has not only a household rating, which is measuredagainst the universe of all households with televisions, but also arating for different demographic categories (e.g., males 18-24),measured against the universe of all members of the category who havetelevisions. Thus, the program may have a rating of 1 (1%) overall and arating of 2 (2%) for a particular category. Typically, when assetproviders buy a time-slot, pricing is based on a rating or ratings forthe categories of interest to the asset provider. This results insignificant inefficiencies due to poor matching of the audience to thedesired demographics.

For example, even if ratings analysis indicates that a particularprogram has an audience comprised sixty percent of women, and womencomprise the target audience for a particular asset, airing on thatprogram will result in a forty percent mismatch. That is, forty percentof the users potentially reached may not be of interest to the assetprovider and pricing may be based only on sixty percent of the totalaudience. Moreover, ideally, targeted asset delivery would allow fortargeting with a range of granularities. In instances where differentassets may be targeted to different households or individual userswithin the households for a given time slot, the inefficiencies may bereduced.

Various asset targeting systems have been proposed in the context oftargeting ads to individual network users in a cable television network.In one implementation, the asset targeting system is capable ofdetermining classification parameters of a current viewer. Specifically,the system analyzes a click stream (remote control or other inputs) fromthe user and, optionally, other information to determine demographic orother information regarding the current user. This information can bereported to a network platform via the broadcast network such that itmay be used to identify appropriate ads for an upcoming commercial spotin a process called voting. Additionally, this information can be usedto select an appropriate ad, from a set of ads available for a givencommercial spot, to be delivered at a set top box (“STB”). The ads thatare actually delivered at the STB television can be reported to thenetwork. Such asset targeting systems are described in co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. Nos. 11/331,835, 11/332,771, 11/332,773,11/332,770, 11/332,772, 11/743,540 and 11/743/544 all of which areincorporated herein by reference.

Such targeting processes may be resource intensive and in manyenvironments such a voting process may not be feasible or desirable.That is, there are a number of situations in which it may be desired ornecessary to function with more limited resources for use by an assettargeting system. For example, in some cases, such as a satellitetelevision network, there may be very limited or no opportunity to use areal-time return channel for communications from user equipment devices(e.g., STB) to the network. Accordingly, it may not be practical toimplement real-time voting and reporting processes as described above.

In addition, in some cases the resources available at the STB may belimited. For example, other applications or constraints imposed bynetwork providers may limit the STB resources that can be utilized bythe targeted asset system. In such cases, it may be necessary or usefulto employ reduced functionality or to shift functionality implementationfrom the STB to another network platform. Finally, in some cases, anetwork provider or other party operating the targeted asset system maybe content to implement targeting on a household basis rather than basedon a determination regarding who is currently using the network. In suchcases, it may be elected to implement a targeted asset system withreduced functionality or to re-distribute functionality across thenetwork.

The present invention provides targeted asset system implementationsuseful in the noted contexts while enabling the targeting of assets asprovided to individual households and/or users within these households.In the following description, an inventive household classifier systemis set forth in the context of a satellite television network, which isan apt environment for implementing the system. However, it will beappreciated that various aspects of the invention can be implemented inother environments where resources are limited or where it is notdesired to use a resource intensive targeted advertising system.

Referring to FIG. 2, a satellite television network 100 implementing atargeted asset system in accordance with the present invention isillustrated. The system 100 generally includes uplink equipment 110 andassociated components and a STB 118, which is generally disposed at thecustomer premises of a network user or household 150. The uplinkequipment 110 is operative to upload data, including video content, adsand network data, to a satellite system 116. The data is then deliveredby the satellite system 116 to the STB 118, for example, via a satellitedish.

In the illustrated example, much of the functionality of the targetedasset system is implemented by an ad decision system (ADS) 102associated with the uplink equipment 110. In particular, the ADS 102 isoperative for determining user classification information for particularusers' STBs or households, which is used to control delivery of targetedassets at the STB 118. In this case, the ADS 102 receives inputinformation from a third party database 104, a customer database 106 anda viewership monitoring database 108. The customer database 106 includesa variety of information regarding individual viewers or households,such as the location of the household, the name or names of users anddemographic information regarding the users. Such customer databases mayinclude network provider customer databases that may include informationregarding network subscribers. Customer databases may also includedatabases of asset providers. Such asset provider databases may providehighly detailed information regarding previous customers of the assetproviders. It will be appreciated that such databases may be proprietaryand use of such data may be limited to targeting the assets of the assetprovider who owns the database.

The third party database(s) 104 can provide very rich informationregarding individual network users. For example, the third partydatabase 104 may include credit card transactions or other purchasingdecision information indexed to individual network users or households.Such third party databases may be provided by data providers and maygroup like households into like predefined groups. Alternatively, thirdparty databases may be associated with data providers who providedetailed information regarding individuals of a household. For instance,some data providers obtain DMV database information. In such a thirdpatty database, information regarding the sex, height, weight, eyesight,etc. of a named member of a household may be available. Based on anycombination of this information, it may be possible to obtain actual ordeduce putative demographic information about individual users of ahousehold. For instance, it may be possible to determine the actualmembership and/or composition of a household (e.g., mother 36, father42, two children 6 and 8, girls etc.). Such information may becorrelated with, for example, purchasing information for members of thehousehold. This may allow for identifying products and/or services thatare of interest to the members of the household.

The viewership-monitoring database 108 provides information based onspecific programs or other content selected for viewing by individualusers or households. In this regard, information may be reported fromthe STB 118 via an interface 125 that may be the same as or differentfrom the interface through which broadcast content is received. Such aninterface may include, without limitations, a Telco interface and/or anInternet interface. Reporting information may also be provided via thisinterface 125. It will be appreciated that, in some cases, thisinformation may only be made available on a periodic basis, e.g., daily,weekly, etc. Accordingly, such information may not allow for real-timeidentification of a current network user and, as a practical matter, maybe limited to information regarding an STB or a household as opposed toindividual users.

Based on all of this information, the ADS 102 can determine or inferclassification parameters for individual users and/or households. Thisclassification information or classifier may be indexed to an identifierfor the individual user or household, and this information may beprovided to the uplink equipment 110 for transmission to the STB 118.Accordingly, the STB 118 may store this classifier(s) for subsequentuse.

The uplink equipment also receives video inputs from various sources andad content 112 that may be transmitted to the STBs 118. For example,video streams for multiple programming channels may be delivered to theSTB. In the context of the present invention, the ad content 112 mayinclude multiple ad options for any given commercial spot on any givenad supported programming channel. The ad content 112 may further includemetadata identifying the target audience for each ad. Accordingly, theinformation received at the STB 118 includes, in addition to the videocontent for the various programming channels, ad options for any ad spotfor which targeted asset delivery is supported, metadata identifying thetarget audience for each such ad and classification informationcharacterizing a user or household associated with the STB 118. However,it will be appreciated that the ads need not be transmitted inreal-time. That is, ads may be forwarded to the STB 118 and stored inadvance of a commercial spot where the ad is available for delivery(e.g., using processes such as currently used for delivering VODcontent). In addition, the classification information for the STB 118may be forwarded to the STB 118 on a periodic basis, e.g., daily orafter any viewership update received via the interface 125.

In the illustrated implementation, it is assumed that the STB 118 hassubstantial resources available for storage, e.g., the STB 118 is a DVRbox. In addition, it is assumed that the STB 118 has sufficientprocessing resources available to run a small application forimplementing certain targeted asset system functionality, as describedbelow. In the illustrated embodiment, the STB 118 includes an adselection module 120, an ad delivery module 122, storage 124 that can beused for storing ad options until a time of delivery and a viewershipmonitoring module 123. The ad selection module 120 is operative forselecting ads to be stored in ad storage 124. Specifically, in theillustrated implementation, the STB 118 receives all of the ad optionsfor a given commercial spot, as well as metadata identifying the targetaudience for each of the ads, and classifier(s) specific to the STB 118.The ad selection module 120 uses the classifier(s) and the targetaudience information to select ads that are appropriate for the STB 118.These ads are stored in ad storage 124. Other ads may be discarded toconserve storage resources. This selection process is implemented bymatching the classification parameters associated with the classifier(s)to the target audience information, as described in the patentapplications incorporated above.

The ad delivery module 122 is operative to identify any ad deliveryopportunity and deliver an appropriate ad. In this regard, the addelivery module 122 monitors the current programming channel being usedby the user, identifies any upcoming commercial spot for which targetedasset delivery is desired on that programming channel, identifies anappropriate ad for delivery, retrieves the ad from storage 124 anddelivers the ad to viewers on the associated television at thecommercial spot. In this regard, metadata associated with the ads mayidentify the commercial spots for which the ad can be delivered. If morethan one ad is available for a given spot, appropriate logic may beexecuted to make a decision. For example, the ad to be delivered may beselected based on a lottery or rotating basis, or the highest value admay be inserted. Additional implementation details regarding the addelivery module are described in the patent applications incorporatedabove.

The viewership-monitoring module 123 is operative for monitoringviewership and reporting this information to the network via theinterface 125. For example, program selections may be recorded based ona click stream from a user remote control or signals from a usertelevision. This information may be reported periodically, e.g., on adaily or weekly basis, and individual selections may be reported or theinformation may be aggregated or summarized. It will be appreciated thatcertain households may include more than one STB 118. In such, cases,the noted functionality may be separately implemented for each STB 118.It will be appreciated that the STB in a parent's bedroom may beassociated with different classification parameters than an STBassociated with a living room television or children's bedroomtelevision.

The system described above provides a high level of functionality incontext where resources are limited. In particular, the system allowsfor substantial targeting functionality despite the limited availabilityof viewership monitoring information. In addition, the system notedabove requires minimal resources at the STB as much of the functionalityis implemented in connection with the uplink equipment.

FIG. 3 illustrates application of a targeted asset delivery systemimplemented in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Asshown, FIG. 3 illustrates the dissemination of different assets, in thiscase ads, in broadcast content streams of different households 300-302of a broadcast network where network users are watching the sameprogramming channel. As shown, three different households 300-302 aredepicted as receiving the same programming, in this case, denoted “Movieof the Week.” At a given break 304, the STB of each individual householdmay each provide a different asset package based on theclassification(s) of the household. For instance, a first household 302may be classified as a family with young children. Accordingly, theirSTB may select assets targeted to their demographics group (e.g.,minivan ad and department store ad). In contrast, a second household 301(e.g., high net worth) may receive different assets (e.g., luxury carads, etc.) during the break 304. Likewise, a third household 300 mayreceive assets targeted to, e.g., an under 24 demographic group.

Alternatively, instead of representing three separate households300-302, FIG. 3 may illustrate application of a targeted asset deliverysystem implemented to different user equipment devices or STBs within asingle household. In such an arrangement, each user equipment device300-302 may be receiving the same programming. However, each userequipment device may be implemented to target a specific individualwithin the household. It has been recognized that in most householdswith multiple user equipment devices (e.g., multi-televisionhouseholds), that each user equipment device is utilized by a dominantuser/viewer. In this regard, parents may be the dominant viewer oftelevision within their bedroom, the mother may be a dominant viewer ofthe television in the family room, and the children of the household maybe the dominant viewer(s) of a television in a recreational room.Accordingly, each of the user equipment devices 300-302 may beclassified to provide assets that may be directed towards the dominantviewer of the particular user equipment device of the household.

FIG. 4 illustrates a process 200 that may be implemented by the addecision system 102 of FIG. 2 or by similar systems in other networkconfigurations. Initially, the ADS system obtains 202 householdinformation from one or more data repositories. Such data repositoriesmay include third party databases as discussed above. Further, the ADSsystem receives 204 network usage information for the household fromwhich the household information was obtained. Such network usageinformation may be obtained from a viewership monitoring database thatis accessible via the network. In this regard, individual households/STBs may report to such a monitoring database. The householdinformation and network usage information may then be utilized togenerate 206 one or more household classifiers based on the householdinformation and the network usage information. It will be appreciatedthat in certain instances it may be desirable or necessary to utilizeadditional information such as, for example, customer information (e.g.,resident address) from one or more customer databases associated withthe broadcast network, to correlate the third party data to the networkusage information. In any case, once the classifier(s) are generated206, they may be delivered 208 to the household via the networkinterface or potentially through another interface (e.g., Telco,Internet, etc.). In addition, any constraints associated with theclassifier(s) may also be delivered to the household. Accordingly, suchhousehold classifiers may be stored and/or implemented by the STB of thehousehold.

FIG. 5 illustrates a process 220 that may be utilized by an STB toimplement various aspects of the present invention. Initially, the STBmay record 22 network usage information associated with broadcastcontent that is output at a household in the broadcast network. Suchnetwork usage information may be stored in local storage media at theSTB until a predetermined time when the network usage information may bereported to a platform associated with the broadcast network. That is,the STB may be operative to transmit 224 the network usage informationto a platform or data repository that is accessible via the broadcastnetwork. Such transmission 224 may be through an interface that isseparate from the broadcast network interface associated with the STB,though this is not a requirement. Subsequent to transmitting the networkusage information, the STB may receive 226 household classifiers fromthe network. Such household classifiers may be generated based on thenetwork usage information, which may include program and channel and/ortime information, as well as household information associated with thehousehold of the STB. In any case, the STB may be operative to utilize228 the household classifiers to select assets for delivery withbroadcast content output at the household. Such utilization 228 mayinclude selecting assets for storage and subsequent delivery as well asselecting between different asset options that may be transmitted to thehousehold via the broadcast network in separate transmission bands. In afurther embodiment, the process may include storing and reporting 230which assets were delivered to the household by the STB.

However, the system has certain practical limitations. For example, thesystem described above implements targeting on a household or STB basisand is not generally directed to determining classification parametersregarding a current viewer. That is, much of the discussion above hasreferenced classifiers as relating to households as opposed toindividuals within the households. In a further arrangement, viewinghistory and third party database information may be utilized todetermine multiple classifiers for a single household instead of forgenerating a single household classifier.

FIG. 6 illustrates a theoretical example of network usage of a household600 including a television set 620 and a DSTB 612 that are associatedwith multiple users 603-606. Arrow 607 represents a timeline duringwhich the television is utilized. A first user 605, in this case a youngchild, uses the television 620 during a first time period—for example,in the morning. Second and third users 603 and 604 (designated “father”and “mother”) use the television during time periods 609 and 610, whichmay be, for example, in the afternoon or evening. An adolescent child606 uses the television during a night time period in this example.

This illustrates a number of challenges related to targeted assetdelivery using household classification. First, because there aremultiple users 603-606, targeting based on household demographics mayhave limited effectiveness. For example, it may be assumed that theyoung child 605 and father 603 in most cases would not be targeted bythe same asset providers.

These noted difficulties are associated with a number of objectives thatare preferably addressed by another embodiment of the targeted assetsystem of the present invention. First, the system should preferably beoperative to record network usage information (e.g., viewershipmonitoring) of a single set and, in the context of the system describedabove, report such viewership monitoring to the network at leastperiodically. Where the viewership monitoring information includes usagetimes and/or channels watched, this information, in conjunction withthird party database information and/or customer information, may allowfor generating multiple temporally distinct classifiers for thehousehold 600.

For example, the combination of network usage information and the thirdparty data base information and/or customer information may allow fordeducing/estimating the compositions of the members of the household.Likewise, different classifiers may be provided that may be used atdifferent times. That is, a first classifier may be implemented that isdirected toward the parents 609, 610 and is utilized between 1 p.m. and9 p.m. and another classifier may be directed towards an adolescentchild 611 and may be implemented between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m.

In such an embodiment, where multiple classifiers are generated for asingle household, the system may be operative to forward all classifiersand their temporal limitations to the STB, or, the system may send eachclassifier as it is to be implemented. In the latter regard, the STB mayreplace a classifier with an updated classifier.

While it is possible to utilize multiple classifiers with a singlehousehold, it is also recognized that a single household may utilizemultiple different STBs. In this regard, it may be more desirable toimplement different classifiers at different STBs based on who isbelieved to be the primary/dominant user of the STB. In this regard,multiple classifiers may be generated for a given household based onnetwork usage information from different STBs within the household.Accordingly, the network usage of different STBs may be monitored toidentify usage patterns. Based on such usage patterns and, for instance,the putative and/or known members of the household, differentclassifiers may be selected for different STBs. In one arrangement, asingle classifier may be implemented at each STB. That is, a dominantclassifier may be utilized by a given STB. In such an arrangement, anoutput device (e.g., a television) associated with, for example, ateenager's room may always target a demographic below the age of twenty.Likewise, the output device associated with the parents of a household(e.g., within the parents' bedroom) may always be geared towards ademographic associated with, for example, middle-age and/or an incomebracket associated with the household. However, it will be appreciatedthat in addition to implementing a dominant viewer classification, suchSTBs may utilize one or more classifications that may be associated withtemporal limitations.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative implementation that utilizesadditional resources at the STB 134 in order to allow for targeting ofassets matched to the current viewer. In this case, the uplink equipment126 provides programming and advertisements to the DVR STB 134 inconventional fashion. In addition, information may be provided to theSTB 134 from a customer database 128 and third party database 130, asdescribed above. Optionally, viewership-monitoring information 132, asdescribed above, may be provided to the STB 134.

The illustrated STB includes an ADS 136 for storing ads and selectingads for delivery at the user's television. In this case, because the ADS136 is implemented at the STB 134, the ADS has access to a click stream140 from the user. Accordingly, the ADS 136 can determine classificationparameters in real-time, as described in the patent applicationsincorporated above. These classification parameters can be used to storeappropriate ads in storage 138 and/or to generate selection commands 142to control ad delivery.

Further, the ability to provide third party data 130, customer databaseinformation 128 and/or viewership monitoring information to the STB 134via the uplink equipment 126 may allow for improving the ability of theSTB 134 to determine who is currently utilizing the STB 134. Forinstance, if third party data and/or customer database information 130,128 is provided to the STB that allows the STB to know the compositionof the members of the household (e.g., actual and/or putative), the ADS136 may utilize that information in conjunction with the click stream140 or other inputs from the user to make an identification as to who iscurrently receiving output from the STB. In this regard, if informationabout the household is known, a simplified algorithm may be implementedby the ADS for determining the probable current user of the STB.

FIG. 7A illustrates a process associated with utilizing household datareceived at an SIB in conjunction with user inputs to identify a currentuser of the STB. Initially, household information is received 702 at theSTB via the network interface. This household information may be storedby local storage media associated with the STB. Algorithms supported bythe STB may utilize the received household information to identify 704household membership information. Such household membership informationmay provide information as to the composition of the individuals withinthe household. Subsequently, the STB may receive 706 a click stream 140from a network user. Based on this click stream and the householdmembership information, the STB may determine 708 which member of thehousehold is currently utilizing the STB. Once this determination ismade, the STB may select 710 assets for display to the current networkuser. It will be appreciated that the process set forth in FIG. 7A andthe system set forth in FIG. 7 may be implemented without utilizingviewership monitoring information. That is, if the actual or putativemembers of the household may be effectively determined, this informationmay be forwarded to the STB, which may then implement the selectionalgorithm based on the user inputs. Further, once a putative or actualhousehold membership is identified, effective targeting may beimplemented by the STB without requiring reporting of network usageinformation. That is, if the STB knows the identity (e.g., demographicidentity) of the members of a household, the STB will effectivelyidentify a current network user and thereby provide improved assettargeting.

Classification asset targeting can be implemented using a variety ofarchitectures in accordance with the present invention. Variousimplementations may involve a forward-and-store functionality. In suchinstances, a STB may receive assets prior to receiving a content stream.Accordingly, the STB may insert one or more of the stored assets atpredetermined times, e.g., in accordance with information provided withthe content stream.

A forward-and-store implementation is illustrated in FIG. 8 that allowsan STB to selectively replace a default advertisement within a contentstream 802 received by the STB. As shown in FIG. 8, an STB of ahousehold 800 receives a programming stream 802 from a network platform90. Such a programming stream may be received from any appropriatenetwork platform (e.g., repeater station, satellite, headend, etc.). Inthe illustrated implementation, a second communication interface link804 is established between the household 80 and the broadcast network100. The second interface 804 may be utilized to deliver network usageinformation from the STB to a viewership monitoring database 108accessible by the network 100. However, it will be appreciated that thesecond interface 804 may alternatively be implemented in a commontransmission band as the content stream.

In the illustrated implementation, the content stream 802 is provided tothe STB. As shown, programming is provided with an interleavedprogramming break 816 including at least a first asset delivery spot.This programming break 816 is proceeded by an insertion signal or tone.The STB may include a decoding device 812 that allows for monitoring areceived content shown to identify an insertion signal and therebyidentifying the time and duration of an upcoming break 816. In addition,the STB may also identify metadata and/or SCTE signals within thecontent stream 802. Such signals may identify the targeted audienceparameters for the default asset included within the programming break816. Accordingly, the STB may utilize this information in conjunctionwith one or more stored classifiers to determine whether the defaultasset included within the programming break 816 is suitable for deliveryto the household serviced by the STB or if an alternate asset(s) wouldbe more appropriate. Furthermore, it will be noted that the metadata mayalso indicate what types of alternate assets may be inserted into thecontent stream. In instances where it is determined that a differentasset may be more appropriate based on the household classification, theSTB may utilize a selector 810 switch between the content stream 802 andan asset input stream interconnected to the asset database 806 such thata default asset within the content stream 802 may be replaced with astored asset deemed more suitable (e.g., based on one or more householdclassifiers) for delivery with the programming.

In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, different targeted assets906 may be transmitted from a network platform in synchrony with a givenbreak in a content stream 908. In this embodiment, the STB of thehousehold 900 includes a selector 902, which is operative to switch toan asset transmission band associated with a desired asset at thebeginning of a break and to return to the programming band at the end ofthe break. The selector 902 may hop between transmission bands (betweenasset bands or between an asset band 906 and the programming band 908)during a break to select the most appropriate assets. Such selection maybe based on a match between a current classifier 910 and targetingcriteria associated with the synchronously provided assets.

In this implementation, the asset options are at least partiallyprovided via separate bandwidth segments. For instance, a first assetoption may be provided in the same bandwidth segment as the programmingof the content stream and a second (e.g., or third or more) asset optionmay be provided in a parallel bandwidth segment. This is graphicallyillustrated in FIG. 9. Such a system for generating and providingparallel bandwidth segments including different targeted assets forselection by a STB device is provided in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/332,771, as previously incorporated.

As shown in FIG. 9, a transmission stream is received by a STB. Thecontent stream 908 includes programming and interleaved assets. In thepresent embodiment, asset insertion breaks in the content stream 908 areprovided with two or more asset options 910A-N in the parallel assetband 906. For instance, during the first asset insertion spot in thebreak, a broadcast platform may provide asset options 910A-N in aparallel transmission band 906 for use in selectively replacing adefault asset option included within the primary transmission band 908(i.e., the band carrying the currently viewed programming).

The asset options 910A-N in the asset band 906 may be targeted towardsdifferent demographic groups. In this regard, the STB may be operativeto identify asset delivery spots where more than one asset is available.Accordingly, the STB may utilize a selector 902 or tuner to select atransmission band associated with the asset that will be output tonetwork users of the household. Accordingly, the STB may need anindication that an asset delivery spot where more than one asset isavailable for delivery is upcoming. Accordingly, in the presentarrangement, the network platform may insert a signal or tone into thecontent stream 908 that indicates an upcoming asset delivery spot forwhich more than one asset is available.

In order to select between upcoming asset options, the STB may alsoreceive information with the content stream 908 (e.g., metadata SCTEsignals, etc.) that provides an indication of the content and/ortargeted audience for upcoming asset options. Accordingly, the STB mayutilize this information with classifier information stored 910 at theSTB in order to select an appropriate asset for output to the household.That is, the SIB may compare targeting constraints of the upcomingassets with classification information associated with the householdreceiving the content stream. Accordingly, the STB may select theappropriate asset (e.g., 910A-N) and, if necessary, use the selector 902to switch transmission bands at the beginning of the asset deliverybreak if the asset selected is not in the primary transmission bandassociated with the programming. Likewise, at the end of the assetdelivery break, the SIB may utilize the selector 902 to switch back tothe primary transmission band such that the household 900 switches backto the programming within the content stream.

In either embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, the STB may be operative to storeinformation associated with the assets actually delivered (e.g., output)by the STB. Accordingly, this information may be reported (e.g., via thesecond interface 804 or 904) to the network 100. Such reportinginformation may be utilized for audience estimation and/or billingpurposes as set forth in the applications incorporated above.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedin detail, further modifications and adaptations of the invention mayoccur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expresslyunderstood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spiritand scope of the present invention.

1. A method for use in targeting broadcast network content, comprising:providing a network platform for processing classifiers for delivery touser equipment devices in the broadcast network; obtaining, at saidnetwork platform, household information from at least one third-partyinformation repository for a specific household in said broadcastnetwork, wherein said household information putatively identifiesmultiple individual members of said specific household; receiving, atsaid network platform, network usage information originating from saidspecific household, wherein said network usage information includestemporal information associated with usage times of at least one userequipment device outputting network content at said specific householdand channel information associated with one or more broadcast channelsoutput by said user equipment device; based on said informationputatively identifying said multiple individual members of saidhousehold and said network usage information, determining putative usagetimes associated with two or more of said individual members; assigningat least two or more classifiers associated with two or more individualmembers of said specific household, wherein said classifiers aredifferent and include different temporal limitations; delivering, viasaid broadcast network, said two or more assigned classifiers to said atleast one user equipment device at said specific household; and duringan asset insertion opportunity in broadcast programming, delivering viasaid broadcast network a plurality of parallel asset transmission bandseach including a separate asset, wherein said user equipment device isoperative, based on the temporal limitations of said assignedclassifiers, to utilize one of said two or more assigned classifiers totune to one of said plurality of asset transmission bands to deliver anasset to said specific household.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: accessing, via said network platform, a customer database,wherein said customer database includes customer information associatedwith said specific household and wherein assigning further comprisesassigning said at least one household classifier based at least in parton said customer information.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein saidcustomer database includes at least one of the following: location ofindividual households; one or more names of individuals associated withindividual households; and demographic information associated withindividual households.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein obtaininghousehold information comprises obtaining purchasing informationassociated with individuals of said household.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein obtaining household information comprises obtaining age andgender information associated with said individual members of saidhousehold.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving network usageinformation comprises: receiving temporal information associated withusage times of said user equipment device outputting network content. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein said temporal limitations are deliveredwith said classifiers and wherein a said first classifier is designatedfor use during a first temporal period and said second classifier isdesignated for use during a second temporal period.
 8. The method ofclaim 7, wherein said first and second temporal periods are within acommon day.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving network usageinformation comprises receiving network usage information via acommunications interface that is separate from said broadcast network.10. The method of claim 9, wherein said communications interfacecomprises a Telco interface.
 11. The method of claim 1, whereinreceiving network usage information originating from said specifichousehold comprises: receiving at least first and second sets of networkusage information, wherein said first and second sets are of networkusage information are associated with first and second different userequipment devices of said specific household.
 12. The method of claim11, further comprising: assigning at least first and second classifiersfor receipt by said first and second different user equipment devices.13. The method of claim 1, further comprising: utilizing said networkusage information in conjunction with demographic information associatedwith each of the multiple individual members of said specific householdto identify putative usage times for each individual member of saidspecific household.
 14. A method for use in targeting broadcast networkcontent, comprising: providing a network platform for processinghousehold classifiers for delivery to user equipment devices in thebroadcast network; obtaining, at said network platform, householdinformation from at least one third-party information repository for ahousehold in said broadcast network wherein said household informationputatively identifies multiple individual members of said household;receiving, at said network platform, network use information originatingfrom said household, wherein said network usage information includestemporal information associated with usage times of at least one userequipment device outputting network content at said household;generating a plurality of household classifiers associated with putativeindividual members of said household based on said household informationand said usage times; receiving, at said network platform, currentnetwork usage information originating from said household; selecting oneof said plurality of household classifiers based on said current networkusage information, wherein said selected household classifier isdelivered to at least one user equipment device at said household; andduring an asset insertion opportunity in broadcast programming,delivering via said broadcast network a plurality of asset transmissionbands each including a separate asset, wherein said user equipmentdevice is operative to utilize said selected household classifier totune to one of said plurality of asset transmission bands to deliver anasset to said household.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein receivingsaid current network information comprises: receiving said usageinformation from said user equipment device via a broadcast networkinterface utilized to deliver broadcast content to said household.